Life
Sketches from Scottish History of Brief Biographies of the Scottish
Presbyterian WorthiesHugh McKail

It is scarcely possible
to conceive a case more deeply affecting, than that of this youthful
martyr. Having finished his education, he was taken on trials, and
licensed in 1661, when only twenty years of age. After officiating
several times, much to the benefit and gratification of those who heard
him, he was called to preach in the great church of Edinburgh, on the
Sabbath immediately preceding the day fixed for the arbitrary removal of
its ministers; and having in his sermon been led to remark that “ the
people of God had been prevented by a Pharaoh on the throne, a Hainan in
the state, and a Judas in the church,” he was thought to have alluded to
the then rulers, and a party was sent next day to apprehend him. He
escaped, however, and concealed himself for about four years. At last,
worn out and rendered useless through fatigue, he was apprehended near
Edinburgh, and lodged in prison.

When he was brought before the Council, he was interrogated respecting
the leaders of the insurrection, and what correspondence they had,
either at home, or abroad. He declared himself utterly unacq1uainted
with any such correspondence; and frankly stated how far he had taken
part in their proceedings. The instrument of torture was then laid
before him, and he was informed that if he did not confess, it should be
applied next day. On the following day, he was again brought before the
Council, and again ordered to confess on pain of immediate torture

He declared solemnly that he had no more to confess. The executioner
then placed his leg in the horrid instrument, applied the wedge, and
proceeded to his hideous task. When one heavy blow had driven in the
wedge, and crushed the limb severely, he was again urged to confess, but
in vain. Blow after blow succeeded at considerable intervals,
protracting the terrible agony; but still, with true Christian
fortitude, the heroic martyr possessed his soul in patience. Seven or
eight successive blows had crushed the flesh and sinews to the very
bone, when he protested solemnly in the sight of God, that he could say
no more, though all the joints of his body were in as great torture as
that poor leg. Yet thrice more the wedge was driven in, till the bone
itself was shattered, by its compression, and a heavy swoon relieved him
from longer consciousness of the awful agony. He was carried back to
prison, and soon afterwards condemned lo death.

Being carried to the scaffold, he addressed himself to the people, and
ended in lids exalted strain, “thereafler I will not talk with flesh and
blood, nor think on the world’s consolations, farewell, all my friends,
whose company has been refreshful to me in my pilgrimage! I have done
with the light of the sun and moon. Welcome, eternal life, everlasting
love, everlasting praise, everlasting glory! Praise to Him that sits
upon the throne, and the Lamb for ever!”

Having done speaking to the people, who heard him with great attention,
he sung a part of the 31st Psalm, and prayed with such power and
fervency, as forced many to weep bitterly Having ended, he look of his
cloak and hat and when he turned and took hold of the holder to go up,
he said with an audible voice, “I care no more to go up this ladder and
over it, than if I were going home In my father's house.” And as he went
up, hearing a. great noise amongst the people, he called down to his
fellow-sufferers, saying, “Friends and fellow-sufferers, be not, afraid,
every step of this holder is a decree nearer heaven;” and after many
affecting remarks, he closed with that sublimely eloquent address,
“And now I leave off to speak any more, to creatures, and in in my
speech lo thee, O Lord! and now I begin my intercourse with which I
shall never he broken off. Farewell, father and mother, friends and
relations; farewell, the world and all it's delights; farewell, meat,
and drink; farewell, Him, moon, and stars! Welcome, God and Father;
welcome, sweet Lord Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant; welcome,
blessed Spirit of grace and God of all consolation; welcome, glory;
welcome, eternal life; welcome, death! 0 Lord, into thy hands I commit
my spirit, for thou hast redeemed my soul, Lord God of truth! ” Thus in
his 26th year he died, as he lived, in the Lord.

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